Spring forage planning should begin before pastures turn green. Waiting until then is one of the costliest mistakes producers can make.When grass greens up, it feels like winter feeding is ending and the cows are ready to graze. But many important grazing decisions are already set or missed by this point.
Early spring decisions have a big impact on pasture performance for the rest of the year. Overgrazing during the first growth can set forage back for months, even if it doesn’t look like a problem at first. Early spring grass is delicate. Roots are still recovering, energy reserves are low, and regrowth is slow if plants are grazed too much or too often.
This is why good spring forage planning starts weeks before green-up, while pastures still look dormant. This is the time to decide which fields will rest, where to focus grazing, and how to delay turnout to protect early growth.
If you wait until the grass is green, you end up reacting instead of planning. Starting early gives you more choices.
Next, we’ll look at why early spring is a vulnerable time for pastures and share clear strategies to protect your fields and get the most from grazing before green-up.
If you’ve ever stepped out into a pasture this time of year and seen nothing but brown, brittle grass waving in the wind, it’s easy to assume it’s “done for the season.” But here’s the truth — what your dormant grass looks like right now can tell you a lot about how next year’s grazing season will start. Those tan blades and leftover stems might look lifeless. Still, they’re full of clues about forage carryover, root health, and how your pastures handled the stress of the growing season.
Soil testing might not be the flashiest part of ranching, but it’s one of the most powerful tools you’ve got when it comes to range and pasture management. Think of it as a report card for your land. Instead of guessing what your grass needs, a soil test tells you exactly what’s going on beneath the surface—how fertile your soil really is, what nutrients it’s short on, and where you can make the most impact with fertilizer or amendments.
Prickly pear cactus, seemingly innocuous when scattered across a pasture, can swiftly transform into a significant challenge for livestock producers. Beyond being a mere nuisance, this cactus species, along with others, can impede cattle grazing, hinder livestock movement, and even cause harm to animals with its sharp spines. If left unattended, a productive pasture can soon be overrun by prickly pear, underscoring the urgency of its control.
At first glance, late summer pastures can look like everything’s fine—plenty of tall, green grass waving in the breeze. But here’s the thing: 
When it comes to mineral supplements for cattle, the focus often lands on spring and fall, and for good reason. These seasons bring significant demands on your herd, whether it’s calving or preparing for winter. However, it’s crucial to remember that your cattle’s mineral needs are a year-round affair. If you’re not attentive during the summer, you could be overlooking a vital aspect of their care.
Spring is just around the corner, which means rising temperatures and the return of fresh green grass. But don’t wait for the warm weather to hit before you start thinking about pasture management—it’s crucial to get a head start now. By preparing early, you’ll have time to plan and gather what you need to ensure a successful season.
Creep feeding can be a powerful tool to boost the weaning weight of your calves, potentially translating into increased profits when it’s time to sell. However, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons before implementing this strategy. While it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, when used effectively, it can significantly enhance your bottom line.
Soil testing, often overlooked, is
Prickly pear, along with other cactus species, is a pressing issue in pastures. The proliferation of these cacti can impede livestock movement and pose serious health risks.
